Archive for December, 2009

New Homes Offer Good Value For Money

Monday, December 21st, 2009

Building your own house is the ambition of thousands of folks although it is a project not to be undertaken lightly. A house constructed to your own specifications and design in your perfect location is what lots of people aspire to following years spent working themselves up the property ladder and it is entirely feasible to do providing that you possess the services of a talented builder who understands your idea and is capable of making a fantastic home design for you.

Building your own home has a number of advantages over buying modern homes as you will be able to pick the picture perfect location and you will be able to design your brand new home to mirror your taste and personality. If you possess a fantasy of living in a Tudor hall or a Greco-Roman villa go for it as you are in charge and the house plans will be constructed to your specifications. Designing and making your own house can in addition be cheaper than buying one that has already been constructed even taking into account the cost of ground to build it on, the fees for house plans and building expenses.

Home building done this way is becoming increasing widespread with more folks wishing to have a say in the design and features of their brand new homes. There can be pitfalls however and it is at all times worth consulting a town planner regarding access and utilities and to make certain that your dwelling does not contravene any town planning laws. Construction expenses can often come in above plan and time delays due to bad weather or unexpected problems can add months to any project. However if you possess a hope of building your own home from the ground up it is a rewarding and thrilling experience.

For those people who want to play it safe I would suggest visiting as many homes as feasible whilst you are looking to buy. Look at display homes that developers have produced to get an understanding of what your home might look like and if you are buying off-plan you should always try and obtain at least a 10% mark down.

Durham Estate Agents Can Help You Find Your Perfect Home

Saturday, December 12th, 2009

Durham is a beautiful and historic city that can map out its roots back more than 1000 years with the arrival of a religious commune searching for a resting place for the remains of St Cuthbert. Following the Norman triumph of 1066 King William realized that this location was an ideal place to control Northumbria and might also provide defence against the Scots to the North.

Shortly following this labor began on the building of a cathedral to give shelter to the bones of St Cuthbert and of a castle to protect the city. The construction of the cathedral was one of the largest projects undertaken in the middle ages and the results were very impressive and it is at present renowned as a world heritage location. Durham continued to prosper with pilgrims from all around the planet coming to the city and helping to make it one of the richest in England.

In the mid 19th century the University was founded owing largely to the largesse of Bishop Van Mildert and Durham Castle became the original University College. In later years the industrialized revolution further enhanced Durham’s reputation as it turned into the hub of the coal industry in the North east and the position of the planet’s first passenger railway.

Today Durham is a highly popular place in which to live and work and this is reflected in the areas house prices.

The city of Durham is relatively small compared to lots of UK cities although it still has a varied range of advanced facilities. Much of the city centre is pedestrianised and a varied range of shops and restaurants sit next to the historic Victorian marketplace. Just 5 minutes stroll is all it needs to dodge the hustle and bustle of the city centre and discover yourself on one of the many paths that head down to the riverbanks and some peace and calm.

Some of the various attractions in the city include the annual Durham regatta, the Miners Gala and the recently opened Millennium Place development which includes the Gala Theatre and Cinema. The nearby Walkergate Development boasts a widespread selection of cafes, bars and restaurants and is the centre for Durham’s bustling nightlife.

If you are searching to rent or procure Durham property you number one port of call must be one of the well qualified and knowledgeable Durham estate agents. A Durham estate agent will be able to keep you informed on Durham properties that have recently come on to the marketplace and the current prices that you might expect to pay for the many distinctive areas of Durham. Houses to rent in Durham do not tend to remain on the marketplace for long as there is high demand for renting in Durham from the substantial student population.

If you plan to rent property in Durham you must to be quick off the mark as there is fierce competition for property rental in Durham. Durham is one of the UKs most appealing and sought-after locations to live with a mixture of the old and the innovative combining to create the faultless little city.